Post by kregars on Oct 19, 2013 22:35:53 GMT -5
All,
Back in 1990 I special ordered a Suzuki Sidekick from the factory for off highway use...It was built as a 1991 Sidekick J 4x4 that came from the factory with the 1.6L 8valve engine, manual, and 4x4 but not much more (from the factory the rear seat was deleted). I drove that vehicle for 198k miles with only replacing tires a few times, oil every 3k with Mobile1, and the muffler twice and the timing belt replaced 3 times.
I'm now looking for a vehicle for my oldest son....I'd love to pick up a Sidekick (not Vitara) in good condition but am having a hard time finding one that isn't a rust bucket or in need of MAJOR (as in engine replacement) work....however, I have found a 1996 Geo Tracker that appears to be in really good condition that has some miles on it but it was pulled behind an RV most of it's life...the interior still looks factory new.
Knowing how my old Suzuki lasted, I would suspect the Tracker to still hold up for my Son to learn to drive and maintain, but I'm looking for some guidance. I can do most of the basic maintenance like the timing belt, exhaust and tires/brakes. oil, but what else should I be looking at with buying used? They have records of LOF's, belts (to include timing), etc..but I've been out of the game long enough to not remember other Zuk related things that need attention.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Back in 1990 I special ordered a Suzuki Sidekick from the factory for off highway use...It was built as a 1991 Sidekick J 4x4 that came from the factory with the 1.6L 8valve engine, manual, and 4x4 but not much more (from the factory the rear seat was deleted). I drove that vehicle for 198k miles with only replacing tires a few times, oil every 3k with Mobile1, and the muffler twice and the timing belt replaced 3 times.
I'm now looking for a vehicle for my oldest son....I'd love to pick up a Sidekick (not Vitara) in good condition but am having a hard time finding one that isn't a rust bucket or in need of MAJOR (as in engine replacement) work....however, I have found a 1996 Geo Tracker that appears to be in really good condition that has some miles on it but it was pulled behind an RV most of it's life...the interior still looks factory new.
Knowing how my old Suzuki lasted, I would suspect the Tracker to still hold up for my Son to learn to drive and maintain, but I'm looking for some guidance. I can do most of the basic maintenance like the timing belt, exhaust and tires/brakes. oil, but what else should I be looking at with buying used? They have records of LOF's, belts (to include timing), etc..but I've been out of the game long enough to not remember other Zuk related things that need attention.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,